As demands for creation of additional states in the country continue to generate public debates, former Head of States, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) has called on the leadership of National Assembly not to give in to the request for additional states..
According to the retired general, creating new states would only worsen the present situation in Nigeria.
He also called on the need to introduce Electoral College in the 2015 presidential election.
Gowon said this on Wednesday at a conference organised by Arewa House Centre for Historical Documentation and Research of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He was represented by the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed.
The elder statesman noted that creation of additional states will not resolve the several problems in the nation.
Gowon said, “We are faced with challenges in the country, no doubt. Now that the constitution review is in place, the National Assembly must end the agitation for the creation of new states by some ethnic nationalities. More states will only increase cost of governance.
“New states will not resolve the catalogue of problems in the country.”
The ex military General disclosed that he met with Northern senate caucus in Abuja last week, to consider the introduction of electoral college in the forthcoming presidential election in the country.
According to him, the event was attended by prominent Northern politicians, such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Gowon said, “Unless we come together, we would continue to have problems.
“The North must come together to forge a common front for the North to enjoy progress and development.”
Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa while declaring the conference open called for peace in the volatile Northern region, adding that where there’s no peace, a nation can’t progress.
Yakowa said, “The North has been a catalyst for the unity, stability and development of the country. The country has been relying on the North for direction. This is contrary to what some people out there would want the world to believe about the North.
“History has shown that the unity and strength of the North, with a collective sense of purpose and focus, has been the basis for the unity and strength of Nigeria. We must do everything to sustain this responsibility bestowed on us by providence.”
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